Tony Leung Chiu-wai, star of “in The Mood for Love” and “Infernal Affairs,” has joined the cast of “Monster Hunt 2.” The film is the sequel to “Monster Hunt,” the second most successful Chinese film of all time.

Leung will play one of the lead characters who changes the course of monster king Wuba’s journey. Others joining the cast include Chinese pop icon Li Yuchun (“Bodyguards and Assassins”) and Taiwanese actor Yo Yang (“Cold War 2”).

Principal shooting is currently underway in Beijing, with director Raman Hui and the original cast, including Bai Baihui and Jing Boran. The completed film is set for release in 2018.

Released in summer 2015, “Monster Hunt” grossed RMB2.43 billion ($352 million at current rates of exchange) at the Chinese box office. That was the highest of all time, but has since been overtaken by “The Mermaid.”

“Monster Hunt” went on to win best new director, best costume & make up design and best art direction at the Hong Kong Film Awards.

Details on Leung's part are being kept under wraps. The actor came to international prominence after his performance in Wong Kar Wai's In the Mood for Love (2000), for which he won the Cannes Film Festival's best actor award. He also starred in Ang Lee's Venice Golden Lion winner Lust, Caution.

Monster Hunt 2 is the sequel to Hui's 2015 breakout blockbuster, which earned a historic 2.43 billion yuan ($352 million at current exchange rates) at the Chinese box office. It remains the second biggest Chinese-language film ever behind Stephen Chow's The Mermaid.

The sequel began shooting this fall in Beijing. The original's young stars, Bai Baihe and Jing Boran, have both returned. Other new cast include Chinese pop star-turned-actress Li Yuchun (Bodyguards and Assassins) and Taiwanese actor Yo Yang (Cold War 2).

The franchise's story takes place in an ancient Chinese world, where humans and monsters exist side-by-side. The sequel is again backed by Bill Kong's Edko Films and other mainland Chinese partners. The producers are targeting a 2018 release, and a third picture is being planned.

Many THANKS, yitian for sharing this current Tony-project/ news
here
I' m very surprised and have to confess: I've never heard
of this fantasy movie "Monster Hunt" before
Thanks internet and a most helpful link, I will catch up and close this knowledge gap asap !